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Tuesday, January 08, 2013

GM launches API framework to let developers put wheels on apps

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/gm-launches-api-framework-to-let-developers-put-wheels-on-apps/

So far we've gotten a look at some Siri / OnStar canoodling here at CES 2013, and iHeartRadio flaunted its new GM liaison yesterday. But the automaker wants to let all comers in on the MyLink action, so it's just announced a new developer portal, SDK and forum for would-be in-vehicle app creators. The site will allow apps to be coded and gain approval "in a secure and controlled manner" with a helping hand from GM, so that users can purchase and download apps directly to the vehicle's infotainment system. New programs could join the aforementioned CES debuts, along with the likes of TuneIn, Slacker and The Weather Channel, where the General sees a need for vehicle-appropriate categories like fuel efficiency and driver safety. Or you could just, you know, keep your eyes on the road. Check the PR after the break for more.

Continue reading GM launches API framework to let developers put wheels on apps

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Transportation, Internet

Hands-on with Lego's Mindstorms EV3 kit (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/lego-mindstorms-ev3-hands-on/

Lego's third-generation Mindstorms kit has been redesigned to appeal to both kids desperate to craft and modders looking for even more customizability. With assembly instructions now provided by a 3D animated diagram on an iPad app, this isn't the Lego you'll have remember from childhood. If you'd like to see what it's like in action, head on past the break to watch the video.

Gallery: Lego Mindstorms EV3 Hands-on at CES 2013

Continue reading Hands-on with Lego's Mindstorms EV3 kit (video)

Filed under: Robots

Dan Greenhaus Perfectly Describes The Dilemma That Almost Every Investor Is Fretting About Right Now

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/dan-greenhaus-perfectly-describes-the-dilemma-that-almost-every-investor-is-fretting-about-right-now-2013-1

dan greenhause

Dan Greenhaus at BTIG has a great paragraph in his latest nightly note that almost perfectly describes the mentality of a lot of investors right now:

In a recent conversation with one of our hedge fund manager clients, we were pressed on our views (which we will expand on tomorrow). As we said then and repeat here, we think the outlook for equities is somewhat good but we remain laser focused on the debt ceiling. As such, a hedged position is probably warranted, something BTIG’s option team notes can be achieved simply through cheap March put spreads on the SPY. However, such a view -- favoring hedges -- is probably part of the reason Goldman Sachs noted 88% of hedge funds underperformed the S&P 500 in 2012. But with the President set to nominate Jack Lew to Treasury Secretary (Republicans really don’t want him) and with the looming debt ceiling standoff, we just wouldn’t feel comfortable with another position, even as the argument for market participants getting more comfortable with Washington dysfunction grows with each successive standoff.

Bingo. Everyone wants to be bullish, but there's just this one problem...

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Monday, January 07, 2013

AT&T's $50 Android Smartphone Has a 12.6-megapixel Camera, Doesn't Seem That Terrible

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5973805/atts-50-android-smartphone-has-a-126+megapixel-camera

When I think of Pantech, I don't have too many fond memories. But the Android 4.0-based Discover might change that. Available starting January 11 from AT&T for $50, the Discover is an 4G LTE smartphone with a 4.8-inch HD display (1280x720) and a crazy 12.6-megapixel camera that shoots full HD video at 30fps.

It also comes with NFC and a pair of 3D surround sound speakers. It's preloaded with AT&T's DriveMode app, which is supposed to help curb your texting habit while driving. Users can set up certain parameters, like turning on an auto-reply feature when cruising over 25MPH—"busy driving, can't respond."

Considering it comes with 16GB of onboard memory, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, Bluetooth 4.0, DLNA, microSD, a 2-megapixel front-facing camera, GPS—and a funky design that's super-neat looking—it's not bad for $50. [AT&T]

Eat It, Galaxy Note. Huwawei's New Phone Has the World's Largest Screen (Updated: Hands On)

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5973876/huaweis-ascend-mate-is-a-61+inch-mammoth-that-eats-phablets-for-breakfast

Oh man, here we go. Phablets are no longer no longer constrained to limits of being under half a foot. Huawei's new Ascend Mate is an unprecedented 6.1-inches. It's been around before, but now it's official, and has the largest screen of any smartphone in the world. To date anyway. Cower in fear beneath its all-encompassing shadow.

Aside from its ludicrous 6.1-inch, 361 ppi display, the Ascend Mate has a 4,050mAh battery and a 1.5GHz HiSilicon K3V3 quad-core chip, both of which it'll need to handle that wild screen that makes up 73 percent of the whole device. It runs Android Jellybean and is also functional even if you're wearing gloves, has built-in augmented reality navigation capability, and split-screen multi-tasking. In hopes of making calling more possible without holding the thing up to your face, the Mate has dual microphones, one on each end, to facilitate hands-free talking whenever possible.

Huawei's positioning the device to replace your laptop, eReader, phone, and tablet, billing it as an all-in-on machine. It'll be available in China starting late this month, and will roll out to "other markets" in March. Huawei is currently in talks with US carriers, and there's yet to be a price point for sale in the US. So far, markets seem to be agreeing that bigger is better, and if there's a limit, the Ascend Mate could be the one to find it.

Hands on:

It's impossible to understate how honkin' huge this thing is, as far as phones are concerned. It's pretty easily held in a moderately-size male hand, but its size just makes things look kind of weird. It's definitely a two-handed device; you can't hope to touch more than half the screen if you're just using the thumb of your holding hand. The "one-hand UI design" helps to make things a little more possible, but there's still a lot of real-estate you just can't hit. All in all, it feels nice, solid, but man, it's just so ludicrously huge to even think of as a phone.

Huawei's 5-Inch Ascend D2 Takes the Scene With a Killer Screen

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5973792/ascend-d2-takes-the-torch-as-hauweis-flagship

Huawei isn't the biggest player in the phone game, at least here in the States, but it's making moves to step up. Huawei's taking another stab at high-end relevance with its new Ascend D2, which looks like it could be a nice device if it isn't plagued by delays.

The D2 rocks a 5-inch 1080p edge-to-edge display with a ludicrous density of 443 ppi, a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, a 13MP camera, and a 3,000mAh battery that boasts an (alleged) 2-day battery life. It's also exteremly water resistent, and made it through a serious splashing on stage. It's an Android Jellybean device, and also has built-in augmented reality navigation capability, and split-screen multi-tasking.

In short, the Ascend D2 to is more phone than its predecessor in just about every way, and looks to be trying to hang with the big names in the smartphone arena. But considering how long it took the D Quad to get to market, you might want to meter your expectations. Huawei may not have broken through with its first Ascend, but it's clearly not giving up.

Casio's Convex System Lets You Stack Projectors and Unwarp Images With Surprising Precision

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5973651/casios-convex-system-lets-you-stack-projectors-and-unwarp-images-with-surprising-precision

Aside from getting small enough to fit in your pocket and gaining enough resolution to melt your eyes, there hasn't been a lot of innovation in the projector market as of late. So thank you Casio for finally bringing something neat to that table with the company's new Convex control System.

A fairly non-descript control box packed with display ports and a network connection allows users to precisely tweak the shape of a projected image. It sounds a little boring, but Casio has revealed a couple of applications that make the technology actually seem pretty slick. For starters, the Convex System lets users easily stack a pair of projectors, automatically aligning both images resulting in double the brightness. Perfect for venues where darkening a room isn't possible. Two models of this stacked system will be available sometime this month with pricing still to be announced: the XJ-SK650 which will provide up to 6,500 lumens, and the XJ-SK600 which comes in at 6,000 lumens

But where the Convex System really shines is when it's being used with just a single projector. It allows the image to be projected on curved or uneven surfaces, while perfectly correcting the distortion. Using an included remote the Convex System allows images to be tweaked, re-shaped, and unwarped using a grid of up to 81 points. And if that's not enough to correct the image for your situation, it's probably a good idea just to find a better place to set up your projector.

Casio's Convex System Lets You Stack Projectors and Unwarp Images With Surprising Precision

You Haven't Heard of Hisense But They Have UHD TVs Now Too

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5973620/you-havent-heard-of-hisense-but-they-have-uhd-tvs-now-too

Hisense is a Chinese company you may or may not have heard of. But they've jumped in on what seems to be the prevailing trend of CES with six UHD 3D TVs.

There are two series. The XT880 3D and Wi-Fi-enabled models come in 50-, 58- and 65-inch versions. Then there are the higher-end, bigger XT900 series, which come in 65-inch, 84-inch, and 110-inch versions. The XT900s also has a USB-mounted detachable camera for video calling and gesture controls, and are 3D-capable.

Prices are TBA as is availability. But we've heard they should fall somewhere around the $5,000-$6,000 range, which would be pretty damn good as far as UHD TVS go.

There Are New Hisense Google TVs Coming Your Way

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5973650/there-are-hisense-google-tvs-coming-your-way

We knew it was coming, but today Hisense made the news official by showing off two new Google TVs.

The XT780 line comes in 55-inch and 65-inch models. With these two TVs you get access to an array of Google products like Chrome, search, YouTube, Google Play, etc., as well as other services you'd want on your tube like Netflix and Pandora. It also might solve some of your TV frustrations, with a double-sided remote that includes a full keyboard. On top of that, these televisions want you to multi-task, because you're going to be doing that anyway—it has a multi-screen feature so you can troll Facebook while say, watching Dexter. Not that you need anymore encouragement to do that.

Hisense also served up a glasses-free 3DTV, as well as some incremental updates to its regular old smart TVs, which aren't really all that exciting. But Hisense is doing some interesting things and is a relatively new player in the U.S. market, and it has our attention.

Sony announces 65-and 55-inch Ultra HD TVs at CES: arriving this spring, pricing a mystery

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/sony-smaller-size-4k-tvs/

We wouldn't blame you if you cried tears of agony when you realized that you could afford neither the $25,000 nor the space in your home to accommodate Sony's 84-inch 4K Ultra HD TV. Fortunately for you, the company is announcing 65 and 55-inch versions that'll occupy less room in your home while still pumping out 4K images. Both offer a Triluminous display with the company's X-Reality PRO and Motionflow XR960 technology, WiFi and NFC one-touch screen mirroring. At the same time, the company's launching a range of "Mastered in 4K" Blu-ray discs, but sadly the constraints of the format mean the discs will only output footage at 1080p (but then it'll be upscaled back to 4K). The pair will arrive in the spring, but the company doesn't want to talk pricing beyond intimating that you won't need to calculate the fee in the number of sedan cars you could buy instead.

Continue reading Sony announces 65-and 55-inch Ultra HD TVs at CES: arriving this spring, pricing a mystery

Sony Handycam PJ790V and PJ650V get brighter projectors with HDMI input, we go hands-on

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/sony-handycam-pj790v-pj650v-hands-on/

In the past, we may have considered a projector-equipped camcorder if the price was right, but with dim output (typically less than 20 lumens) and content options limited to footage you've shot, the available functionality often didn't justify a premium of several hundred dollars. Sony, for its part, is working to make that secondary display massively more appealing -- the company's latest generation of high-end camcorders adds an HDMI input, with an option to display content from any compatible source (a full-size adapter ships in the box). Two such models, the Handycam PJ650V and PJ790V, will retail for $1,100 and $1,600, respectively. As their price tags imply, these are Sony's top-of-the-line consumer offerings for 2013, and they've got the features to match.

Both include Balanced Optical SteadyShot, which moves the entire lens module (not just specific elements) for much more effective stabilization, especially when zoomed in. There are Exmor R sensors on board, with a 20.4-megapixel chip on the 650 and a 24.1-megapixel imager on the 790. The lower-end model includes a 26.8mm wide-angle 20/12x G lens, 32GB of flash storage and a 20-lumen projector. The 790 ships with a 26mm wide-angle 17/10x Carl Zeiss lens, a whopping 96 gigs of memory and a 30-lumen projector on the side. Both also include 921k-dot 3-inch LCDs and electronic viewfinders, along with 5.1-channel! mics (t he 790's is raised to accommodate wind screens and isolate mechanical noises), an option for AVCHD or MP4 recording and a new Multi Interface Shoe that can be used with accessories like an external mic or the $75 ADP-WL1M WiFi module.

We had an opportunity to check out both camcorders, and were quite impressed, especially when it came to the Balanced Optical SteadyShot and (relatively) powerful built-in projectors. The HDMI input worked as advertised, accepting content from a laptop and an Android smartphone without issue. The 790's projector was bright enough to see detail even in a sun-lit room, but we could even see using it to watch a movie (with an external speaker), assuming that we're able to set up shop in a pitch-black environment with a suitable surface. Both Handycams felt like premium devices, and while they were significantly heavier than Sony's entry-level offerings, they're light enough to be comfortably used to capture handheld footage. This premium duo is set to hit stores in February, but you can take a look right now in the hands-on gallery below.

Gallery: Sony Handycam PJ650V and PJ790V hands-on

Filed under: Cameras, Displays, Sony

Sony Xperia ZL hands-on: an alternate 5-inch 1080p, quad-core take on 'premium'

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/sony-xperia-zl-hands-on/

You can't fault Sony for trying. After announcing its renewed focus on mobile back in 2012, the company's consistently issued thoughtful hardware for the global marketplace. But its collective efforts have yet to spark the "emotional" storm company CEO Kaz Hirai seems to be striving for. Well, if the smiles on our faces are any indication, Sony may have a bonafide hit on its hands with the Xperia ZL. Introduced officially at its CES 2013 event, the 5-inch Android Jelly Bean handset bears nigh identical specs to its larger, more "premium" big brother: the Xperia Z. With a scratch-resistant 1080p TFT Reality Display powered by Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2, 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro and 13-megapixel rear camera with Exmor RS sensor, the ZL sits comfortably in the high-end range. We spent a bit of time exploring the device and gauging its ability to evoke kando -- that Japanese term for an emotional reaction spurred by quality experiences -- so join us after the break to see how it fares and meter our level of excitement.

Gallery: Sony Xperia ZL hands-on

Continue reading Sony Xperia ZL hands-on: an alternate 5-inch 1080p, quad-core take on 'premium'

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Sony

Sony launches the Bravia KDL-W900A LED connected 3DTV at CES

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/sony-bravia-kdl-55w900a/

Sony's television firmament has swelled to include the company's Bravia KDL-W900A here at the tech jamboree that is CES. The edge-lit, slimline display comes loaded with the company's X-Reality Pro engine for rendering, Motionflow XR 960 and two pairs of active-shutter 3D glasses. Spec fans will note that it's got built-in WiFi, "One Touch" NFC-enabled screen mirroring, USB port and the obligatory hookup to Sony's Entertainment Network. There's a press release after the break, and we'll expect to hear more about pricing in the spring.

Continue reading Sony launches the Bravia KDL-W900A LED connected 3DTV at CES

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Sony

Sony Handycam TD30V delivers premium feel, 3D shooting for less than a grand (hands-on)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/sonys-handycam-td30v-hands-on/

Not quite ready to hop aboard the projector train? Sony's betting that 3D might be your game. The Handycam TD30V is the company's $999 answer to 2012's $1,499 TD20V, delivering a nearly identical feature set for a heck of a lot less cash. There's absolutely no reason to toss last year's model up on eBay in favor of adopting this slight modification -- instead of adding features, Sony trimmed a couple tools, if only to appease recent 20V adopters. There's a 20.4-megapixel Exmor R sensor, a 17/10x zoom lens (12x in 3D mode) with a 29.8mm wide-angle position in 2D or 33.4mm when capturing footage in three dimensions. The 1.229m-dot 3.5-inch 3D LCD remains, as does the 5.1-channel mic, microphone jack, Optical SteadyShot, AI shoe, GPS and HDMI port, though the company opted to drop the 64 gigs of internal memory (none is available here), along with the manual dial. In exchange, 2013's flavor picks up an all-black finish, that definitely delivers a premium feel over its predecessor.

During our brief hands-on with the TD30V, we were pleased with the look and feel of the camera -- we wouldn't have cried foul had Sony priced this closer to $1,500, but at $999, it's just that much more appealing. We didn't have an opportunity to review footage on a 3D set, but the camcorder's LCD does a fair job of displaying depth in 3D mode, enabling you to judge the end result without a realtime footage feed to an external display. The camera is lighter in han! d than w e expected, based on its size and appearance, and although the 30V was comfortable to use, you're not going to want to walk around with it dangling around your neck. If you were planning to pick up last year's entrant, it'd be worthwhile to wait -- the TD30V is expected to ship next month for just shy of a grand, and you can examine this very capable Handycam right now in the gallery just below.

Gallery: Sony Handycam TD30V hands-on

Filed under: Cameras, Sony

Sony Xperia Z announced: HDR video capture, 5-inch 1080p Reality Display, water-resistant

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/07/sony-xperia-z-announced-ces-2013/

Sony's flagship smartphones may not have set the world on fire so far, but the company is making another concerted push in 2013, launching two top-end phones with near-identical internal specs. The Xperia Z is the main player here, with refined mirrored panelling across the sides and back and a machined power button being the only physical undulation from the 5-inch oblong. Sony's put in its latest tech from across the family, being the first device to house its Exmor RS sensor capable of HDR video, and a 1080p 5-inch TFT Reality Display (that's 443 dpi), packing the upgraded Bravia Mobile Engine 2 to augment colors and contrast on videos and stills. From its imaging arm, Sony's cleaned down its on-screen camera interface and is now more inline with its standalone point-and-shoots and NEX range.

Work has also been done on improving the algorithms behind its automatic settings -- now dubbed "auto i+" -- while the phone-maker has caught up to the competition with a 9-megapixel burst mode at 10 fps and the ability to capture stills during video. It's even upgraded the front-facing camera to a 2-megapixel Exmor R sensor, while the rear-facing 13-megapixel primary shooter will be able to capture HDR video -- offering up a new solution to dim filming conditions. Software additions to Jelly Bean Android, alongside those Sony entertainment services, include a battery stamina mode that will monitor and switch off apps when the screen is off, while you'll also be ! able to add necessary apps to Sony's white list. The phone will be LTE-capable, with a potent Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor and (perhaps surprisingly, given how the phone looks) IP55 and IP57 certified water-resistance. It'll also be the first phone to communicate through NFC with Sony's family of new HDTVs, something we'll be hearing plenty more about later this week.

The phone has barely appeared on stage here at CES but Sony has promised a global launch this quarter -- and we've already managed to snag some playtime with the device -- you can find our full impressions here.

Gallery: Sony Xperia Z announced

Continue reading Sony Xperia Z announced: HDR video capture, 5-inch 1080p Reality Display, water-resistant

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Sony

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